Public Policy & Government Relations Intern (Hybrid, Summer)

Soundexchange; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly pay $20

Housing stipend $2,000

Hybrid work schedule (Tue/Wed in‑house

Educational series & leadership talks

Networking with SoundExchange staff

Job summary

SoundExchange offers a 10-week paid internship in Washington, DC with a hybrid requirement (in-office Tue/Wed). The Gov't Relations & Public Policy Intern role includes hands-on policy work, data analysis, and drafting communications. You’ll engage with leaders across the organization and present a final internship briefing.

Compensation includes $20.00 per hour and a one-time $2,000 housing/transport stipend, with 35–40 hours weekly and formal educational programming.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate inclusivity, advocacy, and appreciation for diversity in personal, academic, or professional experiences
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Resourceful with great attention to detail and highly organized
• Ability to collaborate well with others and tackle challenges enthusiastically
• Sharp written and verbal communication skills
• Be 18 years of age or older on or before the first day of the internship program
• Undergraduates preferred (heading into your junior or senior year)
• Be enrolled in a degree-seeking program with a minimum 3.0 GPA, or be in a relevant professional program

Responsibilities

• Analyze and organize SoundExchange payee data to locate supporters.
• Track and analyze music-related legislation.
• Draft communications and policy briefs on music-related legislation.
• Track and analyze legislation pertaining to AI.
• Support fundraising efforts for the Music Speaks PAC—draft solicitation emails.
• Attend musicFIRST Coalition meetings in support of AMFA.
• Engage with external consultants to advance advocacy priorities.
• Attend briefings on music policy issues.
• All interns are required to give a presentation at the conclusion of their internship.

Skills

Strong written and verbal comms

Attention to detail

Highly organized

Collaboration

Adaptability in fast-paced env

Education

Undergraduates preferred

GPA 3.0+

Job description

Title: Government Relations & Public Policy Summer Intern
Department: Public Policy
Job Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid: in office Tuesdays & Wednesdays)

Position Summary

SoundExchange 2027 Summer Internship Program

We’re SoundExchange, and we’re on a mission to efficiently collect and distribute royalties, advocate on behalf of creators, and develop trusted business solutions for the music industry. Why? Because we love music and we value the people behind it.

If you’re as passionate about music and championing creators as we are, we want you to join the band! SoundExchange offers a robust 10‐week paid internship program each summer for talented, motivated students to work in our Washington, DC office. The program is designed to expand exposure to the music tech industry and provide relevant and practical work experience in an area of interest.

As a SoundExchange intern, we’ll welcome you as an integral member of our dedicated and diverse team. You will have the unique opportunity to take on roles similar to those of a full‐time hire and dive into projects that contribute to the organization’s mission while growing your skills, forging new professional relationships, and enhancing your resume.

• $20.00 per hour
• One‐time taxable stipend of $2,000.00 to assist with housing and transportation
• 35‐40 hours per week
• Flexibility to work hybrid (two days, Tues and Weds on‐site required)
• Participate in a comprehensive educational series and engage with various SoundExchange leaders across the organization
• Build your network with your fellow interns and SoundExchange staff

Internship Key Dates

• Program dates: Approximately June 1, 2027 – August 6, 2027
• Deadline: All applications must be received no later than November 7th, 2026
• Selection & Notification: December 2026

What To Expect as a Gov't Relations & Public Policy Intern

• Analyze and organize SoundExchange payee data to locate and engage AMFA supporters.
• Track and analyze all music-related legislation.
• Draft communications and policy briefs on music-related legislation.
• Track and analyze legislation pertaining to AI.
• Support fundraising efforts for the Music Speaks PAC—draft solicitation emails.
• Analyze radio industry data to determine effects of AMFA.
• Attend musicFIRST Coalition meetings in support of AMFA.
• Engage with external consultants to advance advocacy priorities.
• Attend briefings on music policy issues.
• All interns are required to give a presentation at the conclusion of their internship.

Eligibility & Requirements

• Personify SoundExchange’s Core Values (Driving Excellence, Integrity In All That We Do, Championing Creators, Respect Why We’re Here, Teamwork That Empowers)
• Demonstrate inclusivity, advocacy, and appreciation for diversity in personal, academic, or professional experiences
• Thrive in a fast‐paced environment
• Resourceful, have great attention to detail, highly organized
• Ability to collaborate well with others and tackle challenges enthusiastically
• Sharp written and verbal communication skills
• Be 18 years of age or older on or before the first day of the internship program
• Undergraduates preferred (heading into your junior or senior year is also preferred); graduate students may still apply
• Be enrolled in a degree‐seeking program in an accredited college or university (with a minimum 3.0 GPA), or be a student at a relevant professional boot camp or advanced educational program

To be considered for this exciting opportunity, attach your cover letter, most recent transcript, and resumé.